Gorilla Jones

William Landon Gorilla Jones was a middleweight champion in 1932, winning an elimination tournament in Milwaukee a year after Mickey Walker gave the title up. Jones beat Italian boxer Oddone Piazza for the title. Jones conceded the title a year later in France following a unification bout that he lost. Then Gorilla won the title back once more and later retired in 1940. After his ring career Jones worked as a chauffeur/bodyguard for entertainer Mae West. She helped him buy property in Los Angeles and also took care of his parents by giving them jobs. Gorilla was named for his lean body and exceptionally long reach.